For context, I switched majors last summer going into my junior year from music education to creative writing at Appalachian State University. This major switch (hah) was eye-opening, and I would like to share the things I learned because of it.
1. The Degree Is Not A Life Pact
Your major does define what you do. More importantly: your major and degree do not equal what you will do for the rest of your life. Do not worry about finding a program that will guarantee a well-paying job, a job you will love, and whatever else will provide a comfortable future. You have the freedom after college to find those things, and your degree will help in ways you would least expect.
2. You Are In School To Learn
Whenever I hear people talk about college or their degree programs, it always sounds like they are fulfilling a prison sentence. When I was a music major, I found myself coasting through classes and not really learning anything. Why am I paying thousands of dollars to attend classes that I am not learning in? I am here to learn, not fulfill a four-year sentence to get a degree.
3. The Importance Of An "Elevator Pitch"
Every time I tell someone that I switched majors, they either ask "why did you switch?" or "what are you going to do with creative writing?" I quickly had to develop a short spiel that answered those question and reinforced the validity of a creative writing degree.
4. Everything Costs Money
I got criticized for wanting to be a teacher, I get criticized for wanting to be a writer, all because neither makes very much money as a profession. That does not bother me. What bothers me is the fact that I cannot just be whatever I want and survive because everything costs money in this world.
5. A Hobby Can Be A Major
What's the point of spending at least four years in school and being in a program you dislike? It is perfectly fine to major in something you are passionate about, no matter what you do with it after college. I saw a "life tip" once that read "when you go to college, major in something that will get you a good job, minor in something you love." Honestly, that is some bullsh*t.
6. Your Major Can Be A Hobby
Your major should be something you enjoy, but this can be dangerous. If you are majoring in something you enjoy doing in your free time, make sure to have other hobbies besides your major. The more often you "take your work home with you," the more likely you will get burnt out on it.
7. Knowledge Is Knowledge
I want to reiterate: you are in college to learn. No matter how many times you switch majors, whatever you learn can stay with you. Do not let the skills die off because all knowledge can be useful.
